The Charter for a Governance of Hunter College established the office of the Ombuds Officer, who serves as an independent agent to improve communication between individuals and the College. The Ombuds Officer receives complaints and may undertake independent investigation if the usual procedures have proven inadequate or have been exhausted, and may recommend action to any officer, committee, or organization of the College.

The Ombuds Officer serves as an independent agent to improve communication between the individual and the institution. This includes receiving complaints, investigating, and taking appropriate action-such as counseling, negotiating, and persuading. The Ombudsman provides avenues through which institutional injustices can be rectified and the causes of these injustices alleviated. Complaints can be made with anonymity assured.

Resources:

International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics

International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice

The U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being

Report to the Senate

• Ombudsman Report 11-17-99 starts on line 14 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 11-17-99.
• Ombudsman Report 9-10-03 starts on line 258 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 09-10-03.
• Ombudsman Report 10-13-04 starts on page 4 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 10-13-04.
• Ombudsman Report 9-14-05 starts on line 50 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 9-14-05.
• Ombudsman Report 9-27-06 starts on Appendix III  of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 9-27-06.
• Ombudsman Report 5-20-09 starts on line 233 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 05-20-09.
• Ombudsman Report 5-12-10 starts on line 294 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 5-12-10.
• Ombudsman Report 5-11-11 starts on line 127 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 5-11-11.
• Ombudsman Report 5-9-12 starts on line 119 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 5-9-12.
• Ombudsman Report 5-8-13 starts on line 318 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 5-8-13.
• Ombudsman Report 5-7-2014 starts on line 467 of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 5-7-14.
• Ombudsman Report 2-25-2015 is available in Appendix II of the Senate Meeting Minutes for 2-25-15